As summer comes to an end, and the faint sounds of PRIDE festivals fade into sunsets across thecountry; SCEA reflects upon our own, very successful Pueblo PRIDE 2011.

Like a fine wine, Pueblo PRIDE is getting better every year. Increased participation by both attendees and vendors, as well as the largest parade to date, helped to make Pueblo PRIDE 2011 a memorable event. News coverage of Pueblo PRIDE included local print and television and a story featured in the statewide paper The Denver Post.

The LGBTQ community, our straight allies and the Pueblo community (those who didn’t close down the pre PRIDE party/fundraiser for SCEA held at the Pirate’s Cove the night before) were treated to a day full of activities beginning with a march and a parade, a marade. Immediately following the marade, participants and festival goers were able to browse, shop, eat and collect free handouts from more than 30 vendors. Nearby, celebrants enjoyed the beautiful day with family and friends, either on free boat rides or on the lawn, listening to guest speakers and a broad spectrum of entertainment.

The outdoor festivities came to an end, and nearly 100 individuals joined us to cool off at the Pueblo Library for a screening of La Mision, a coming out story in the Latino community, as portrayed by actor Benjamin Bratt. Pizza and ice cream were available to for all, but many chose to save room for food as they were headed to the next event held at the Gold Dust Saloon which has donated their space free for the past 3 years. At the Gold Dust, a sold out crowd was treated to a performance by the amazing Gypsy House Players and their variety show. Guests were privy to some true talent here in Southern Colorado.

The last stop of the evening was at the official after party, held at the Downtown Bar. The amazing Fingers of the Sun had everyone dancing, despite sunburns and sore feet, into the wee hours of the morning, with everyone ending their night with a huge feeling of Pueblo PRIDE.

The Board members of SCEA appreciate the feedback received at our booth this year, and look forwardto discussing the many ideas suggested to us, especially on ways to improve our Pueblo Pride. Together,fresh faces and seasoned veterans of the LBGTQ community of Southern Colorado will continue tomake Pueblo PRIDE an event to remember. Protest free, produced 100% by a group of volunteers, andsupported in proclamation by both the city and county of Pueblo, Pueblo PRIDE will continue to flourish.

SCEA reminds that you though floats and festivals are fun, Pride is and should be celebrated every day.We would like to thank the following for helping us to make Pueblo Pride 2011 such a huge success

SCEA was founded in 1992 as Pueblo After 2. Since that time we have been working toward greater acceptance and equality for LGBTQ people in Southern Colorado.

We encourage your involvement as we look to the future and expanding our offered programs. Volunteer opportunities are available and waiting to be filled. Get involved and help us to further our vision of building community through advocacy and understanding.

Please check back often as we have several events that we will be rolling out.

If you'd like to make a one-time donation to SCEA, you can use PayPal to make it fast and easy. PayPal members can pay directly from their checking accounts or credit cards. Non-PayPal members can still pay with a credit card without signing up for Paypal. Either way, its a convenient way to support the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance.

Thousands of people flocked to Pueblo Sunday to attend the Gay Pride Festival.

The celebration took place alone the Historica Arkansas Riverwalk.

It was a sunny day filled with music and people not ashamed of who they are.

"It's a way to show Pueblo we are here and we are proud," said Daneya Esgar with the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance.

Eric Chavez and his partner attended the gay pride festival in Pueblo. The two have been dating for 9 months. While the couple was having a good time, they did reveal one of their frustrations, same-sex marriage.

"It's a love two people share," said Chavez.

The hot topic is being debated all across the country.

"I'm for it for the fact that we need the equal rights that everyone else has," said Keith Avery, with the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance.

It’s no surprise, most at the gay pride festival agreed.

However, KRDO NewsChannel 13 did find some people who were against same sex marriages. Many didn’t want to go on camera, but told KRDO they felt it wasn’t right for people of the same sex to get married.

"Hate is a crime," said Chavez.

Bella Crespin, 7, also attended the festival. She came with her mom and her mom’s partner. They were both a little camera shy, but told KRDO they want Bella to accept all kinds of people.

A lesson young Bella seems to already know.

"You can hurt other people's feelings when you judge people about stuff,” said Crespin.

The Southern Colorado Equality Alliance Sponsored the event, and were happy with the way it turned out.

City leaders were also on hand and signed a proclamation making Saturday Gay Pride day in Pueblo

Pueblo's Gay Pride Day and festival will begin with a march Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the city's Union Depot.

About 2,000 people are expected to proceed from the festival site to Lake Elizabeth on Victoria Avenue on the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo.

There, City Councilman Steve Nawrocki is scheduled to present a joint proclamation from the council and Pueblo County Commission honoring the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, organizers said.

Live entertainment, including a drag show, will happen from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with nearly 30 vendors and organizations at this year's festival.

From 4 to 6 p.m., a movie and live comedy performances will happen in the InfoZone News Museum.

The celebration is put on by the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance.

"We are honored to live in a city where the perspective of the LGBTQ community is valued and appreciated," SCEA vice president Daneya Esgar, said in a media release.

"Unfortunately the same cannot be said for our neighbors to the north. The ease by which we secured this proclamation is evidence that Pueblo's elected leaders promote understanding and awareness."

A boisterous crowd turned out for the annual Pueblo Pridefest Saturday in Downtown.

In its sixth year, the annual LGBTQ celebration of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and questioning people is growing in numbers and in spirit.

People shouted "Happy pride day!" and "Pueblo Pride" as they paraded down Victoria Avenue to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, where booths and events were available throughout the day.

"It's such a heartfelt, spirited event. You could just feel the energy," said Daneya Esgar of the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance. "You could feel people were proud to be here and be who they are. They could stand up and say 'This is who I am.' ”

While the event was to recognize the gay/lesbian community of Pueblo, folks from out of town attended, as well, including some from Colorado Springs, which is known for being anti-gay.

"It's not for me to say what other communities should do (but) I'm proud to live in Pueblo and unlike Colorado Springs up the road, as a member of City Council, we're proud to have you here," Councilman Steve Nawrocki told the cheering crowd.